Ordering & Licensing FAQ

How Many Licenses Do I Need to Purchase?

You should purchase the number of licenses corresponding to the number of computers on which you want to install and use HelpSmith (for per seat licenses), or to the number of users (for floating licenses).

There are two types of licenses provided for HelpSmith:

Single-user (per seat) licensesYou may install and use the enclosed SOFTWARE PRODUCT on one computer to design, develop, and test help files and documentation in supported output formats. Installation on a second computer, such as a laptop, is permitted if it is guaranteed that you are the exclusive user of both computers and the same license is not used on more than one computer at the same time.

Multiple-user (floating) licensesYou may install and use the enclosed SOFTWARE PRODUCT on a server to design, develop, and test help files and documentation in supported output formats. Use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is limited by the number of floating licenses purchased. Only one user per floating license may use the software at the same time.

What HelpSmith Edition Do I Need?

HelpSmith is available as Standard, Professional, and Terminal Server edition. For differences between HelpSmith editions, you can see the feature comparison table here.

Please note that if you want to install HelpSmith on a terminal server (in network client/server environment), you will need to purchase Multiple-user (floating) licenses corresponding to the number of users who will be able to use the software at the same time.

How Long Can I Use a Purchased License?

There is NO limitation on how long you can use a purchased license with the appropriate HelpSmith version.

Are There Additional Fees Associated with Distributing My Help Files?

No, there are NO additional fees associated with creation and distribution of help files and documents in any output formats supported by HelpSmith.

How Do I Upgrade an Existing License to the Latest HelpSmith Version?

If you have a license for a previous HelpSmith version, you have the right for free minor version upgrades (for example, from 6.1 to 6.2, 6.3, and so on).

Also, you have the right for a free major version upgrade (for example, from 6.x to 7.x) within the period of one year since your order date. Please contact us for a free upgrade using the feedback form.

In other cases, you can upgrade an existing license by placing an upgrade order at a special price as follows:

Your HelpSmith Version

Newer HelpSmith Version

Upgrade Price (Per License)

HelpSmith Standard Edition (Any Version)

HelpSmith Standard Edition (Latest Version)

$120 USD

HelpSmith Professional Edition (Any Version)

HelpSmith Professional Edition (Latest Version)

$120 USD

HelpSmith Terminal Server Edition (Any Version)

HelpSmith Terminal Server Edition (Latest Version)

$199 USD

Please provide the details of the licenses that you want to upgrade such as the order date, registered email address, or the license key(s) that you have. So we can verify the existing license information and issue a new license key.

How Do I Upgrade from Standard to Professional Edition?

If you want to upgrade an existing license to a senior HelpSmith edition, you can place an upgrade order at a special price as shown below:

Your HelpSmith Version

Newer HelpSmith Version

Upgrade Price (Per License)

HelpSmith 7.x Standard Edition

HelpSmith 7.x Professional Edition

$120 USD

Older HelpSmith Standard Edition (from 1.x to 6.x)

HelpSmith Professional Edition (Latest Version)

$160 USD

Please provide the details of the licenses that you want to upgrade such as the order date, registered email address, or the license key(s) that you have. So we can verify the existing license information and issue a new license key.

Can I Install HelpSmith on My Main PC and Laptop with a Single User License?

We allow users to install and use HelpSmith on their main PC and on a laptop with the same license. However, please note that one license must not be used by more than one user, and also it must not be used on more than one computer simultaneously.

Do You Offer Discounts for Volume Buyers?

Yes, you can find the latest pricing information and volume discounts here. Please note the volume discounts are applied if you are ordering more than one license in a single order only.

Do You Accept Purchase Orders?

Yes, you can select “Purchase Order” as the payment method provided by our billing services during the online ordering process.